Heart Throb® Hydrangea: A Captivating Beauty for Your Garden
Hydrangea ‘Heart Throb®’, also known as Heart Throb® Hydrangea or Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Hortmagitri’ PP30044, is a magnificent and captivating variety that is sure to grab your attention. With its dark red blooms edged with green, which later age to green with hints of red, this compact hydrangea adds a memorable touch to your garden throughout three seasons. A versatile and easy-to-care-for plant, the Heart Throb® Hydrangea is perfect for small garden spaces and will flourish in a range of light conditions. In this article, we will explore the characteristics and care requirements of this beautiful hydrangea variety.
Characteristics of Hydrangea ‘Heart Throb®’:
The Heart Throb® Hydrangea is a member of the Hydrangea macrophylla species, commonly known as bigleaf hydrangeas. This deciduous shrub features cherry red to wine purple mophead flowers, the color of which depends on the pH level of the soil. In acidic soil, the blooms are raspberry red, while alkaline soil produces wine red or purple blooms. As the flowers age, they transform into an unusual and equally stunning green hue with red fringes. The overall compact habit and attractive foliage make this hydrangea a show-stopper in any garden.
Family and Native Range:
The Heart Throb® Hydrangea belongs to the family Hydrangeaceae and it is a hybrid Hydrangea. Hydrangea genus is native to regions with temperate climates, originating in Asia, particularly Japan and Korea.
Cultivation:
Sunlight: The Heart Throb® Hydrangea thrives in part shade to shade. Provide it with the appropriate light conditions to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Watering: This hydrangea requires medium water needs. Water it regularly, especially during dry spells, until it becomes fully established. Once established, it can tolerate some drought conditions.
Soil: Hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil with a rich nutrient level. They can adapt to different soil types, including clay, sand, and loam. Coastal gardeners can enjoy their beauty as they are relatively salt-tolerant, provided the sandy soil is amended.
Pest and Disease: The Heart Throb® Hydrangea is generally resistant to diseases and pests. However, occasional issues like powdery mildew may arise, so it’s essential to monitor your plant’s health.
Propagation: Hydrangeas can be propagated through various methods, including rooting stem cuttings or dividing mature plants.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is required for the Heart Throb® Hydrangea. Deadheading is unnecessary, as the faded blooms add unique winter interest to the plant.
Color Manipulation:
To influence the color tones of your hydrangea blooms, you can use aluminum sulfate to create acidic soil for cherry red flowers or apply lime for darker purple or wine-red blooms. You can even experiment by amending different sections of the soil to create multi-toned flowering shrubs.
Conclusion:
The Heart Throb® Hydrangea is a breathtaking addition to any garden with its dark red blooms that evolve into stunning green shades over the seasons. Its compact size makes it ideal for small garden spaces, while its adaptability to different light conditions and soil types makes it an easy-to-care-for plant. By following the proper care instructions and experimenting with soil amendments, you can enjoy a display of richly colored hydrangea blooms that will surely steal the spotlight in your landscape.
